Abdominal pain in infants and children

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 4, 2026

Electrophysiological Measurements and Analysis of Nociception in Human Infants
09:18

Electrophysiological Measurements and Analysis of Nociception in Human Infants

Published on: December 20, 2011

C R Moir1

  • 1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.

Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|October 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Most childhood abdominal pain resolves on its own, often from benign causes. Identifying rare, serious conditions requires careful evaluation, especially in infants with bilious vomiting. Further studies are seldom needed.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Childhood abdominal pain presents a diagnostic challenge, balancing common benign conditions with rare, severe ones.
  • Effective management requires differentiating self-limiting illnesses from life-threatening causes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline a diagnostic approach for childhood abdominal pain.
  • To emphasize the importance of age-specific evaluation and clinical assessment.

Main Methods:

  • Categorization of diagnostic strategies based on age groups: infants, preschoolers, and school-age children.
  • Clinical appraisal of symptoms and thorough physical examination are primary tools.
  • Limited use of laboratory or radiologic studies.

Main Results:

  • Bilious vomiting in infants indicates potential surgical emergencies.
  • Gastroenteritis, constipation, and reflux are common nonsurgical causes.
  • Serious conditions like appendicitis affect a small fraction (approx. 1 in 15) of school-aged children.

Conclusions:

  • Most childhood abdominal pain cases are self-limiting and benign.
  • A detailed history and physical exam are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
  • Diagnostic studies are infrequently required, underscoring the importance of clinical judgment.

More Related Videos

Abdominal Massage to Improve Motor Dysfunction in Rats with Cerebral Palsy08:24

Abdominal Massage to Improve Motor Dysfunction in Rats with Cerebral Palsy

Published on: August 11, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Abdominal Regions and Quadrants01:19

Abdominal Regions and Quadrants

To promote clear communication, for instance, about the location of a patient's abdominal pain or a suspicious mass, anatomists and clinicians typically use imaginary lines to categorize the abdominopelvic cavity into either four quadrants or nine regions to identify organs in the cavity.
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four quadrants...
Crying Patterns During Infancy and Toddlerhood01:28

Crying Patterns During Infancy and Toddlerhood

Crying is an important form of communication during infancy, and different crying patterns can signal different needs or states. Infants can produce different cries associated with hunger, anger, and pain. These patterns vary in rhythm, intensity, and onset, helping caregivers recognize what an infant may be expressing.Types of Infant CriesThe basic cry is often associated with hunger. It typically follows a rhythmic sequence of crying, a brief pause, and an inward breath. This inhalation may...
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:25

Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Acute pancreatitis is the sudden inflammation of the pancreas caused by the early activation of digestive enzymes, leading to the autodigestion of pancreatic tissue. This results in local inflammation and, in severe cases, systemic complications.EtiologyUnderstanding the underlying causes is crucial, as identifying the etiology guides treatment and anticipates complications. Acute pancreatitis can be triggered by various factors, typically grouped into the following clinical categories.Biliary...
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:27

Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. It can be either acute or chronic.
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation01:25

Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation

Introduction
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection.